Chapter 23: The King’s Disappointment and the Impending Beast Tide

The Yunxiao Royal Family, as the rulers of the Yunxiao Kingdom, possessed power far beyond imagination. Even though signs of decline had begun to surface, its foundation would remain unshaken as long as Yun Xiao Yu stood firm. This fact was well-known to both the covetous great nations surrounding Yunxiao Kingdom and the various sects within its borders, for Yun Xiao Yu had been nothing short of a miracle in those days.

At that time, the Yunxiao Royal Family’s bloodline was on the verge of extinction, plagued by internal strife and external threats. Other countries seized the opportunity to launch a joint invasion, aiming to conquer the Yunxiao Kingdom. They not only dispatched troops but also included four Sky Void realm experts among their ranks.

Such a formidable lineup was more than capable of effortlessly sweeping aside any sect within Yunxiao Kingdom; even the three great families would have been forced to retreat before such power.

Just when everyone believed the Yunxiao Royal Family was doomed, Yun Xiao Yu emerged like a miracle from nowhere. At that time, he was merely a Sky Void realm practitioner, yet he single-handedly fought and repelled four Sky Void realm experts, earning himself the title of King in that single battle. His fearsome reputation instilled terror in the imperial soldiers; any army that dared approach Yunxiao Kingdom was decimated under Yun Xiao Yu’s leadership.

The most astonishing and lauded feat, however, was a particular battle. Yun Xiao Yu, leading a small contingent comprised solely of cultivators above the Profound Wheel realm, single-handedly infiltrated the enemy’s main camp under the cover of night. Immediately, blood splattered everywhere, and screams of agony echoed without end.

Moreover, two Sky Void realm cultivators perished by Yun Xiao Yu’s hand. An enemy prince was captured on the spot, then brutally dismembered and hung from the gates of Yunxiao Kingdom. Such a chilling act earned Yun Xiao Yu a fearsome reputation, ultimately forcing the enemy nations to retreat.

“Father King… I’ve messed up the task you entrusted to me…”

At this moment, within the royal palace, Yun Tianqi knelt, his head bowed low, trembling uncontrollably, daring not to meet the gaze that struck fear into countless hearts. Only Yun Xiao Yu, the King of Yunxiao, could command such an expression from the usually proud Yun Tianqi.

“Elder Huang, I recall explicitly instructing you multiple times to dissuade my son, did I not?”

Seated upon his royal throne, Yun Xiao Yu’s expression was unreadable. Yet, a faint displeasure was distinctly audible in his tone. The performance of this son, whom he had valued most highly, had proven utterly disappointing. Indeed, he had overestimated him.

“Your Majesty, this old subject had repeatedly warned the Third Prince against acting impulsively. However, Your Majesty is well aware of the Third Prince’s nature; this old subject was truly powerless to stop him.”

Elder Huang cast a fleeting glance at Yun Tianqi, who knelt on the ground, ashen-faced and trembling, and spoke calmly. He displayed not the slightest fear of Yun Xiao Yu’s fearsome reputation, appearing utterly composed and unconcerned.

“Alas, Tianqi.”

“Fa… Father King…”

Hearing his Father King utter his name, Yun Tianqi slowly raised his head. His forehead was already slick with cold sweat. Gone was Yun Tianqi’s usual arrogance. He knew, deep down, that no matter how hard he strove or how swiftly his strength progressed, he would always remain an immature child before his father.

“You have disappointed me greatly.”

No sooner had the sigh faded than, without a moment’s warning or a chance for Yun Tianqi to speak, a surge of vital energy pierced through him. With a dull thud, Yun Tianqi collapsed to the ground.

‘What a fool! To think he ruined my entire plan for a woman. How could I have such a son? I should have judged him more carefully back then.’

A sigh escaped him. He had originally intended to use this plan to deliver a stern warning to the restless sectarian forces, and then to win over the Huang family through a marriage proposal. Instead, the entire plan had failed, pushing the Yunxiao Royal Family into a precarious position.

After all these years, he had finally managed to restore some vitality to the royal family, only for it all to be undone by this imbecile. Was this fellow truly a buffoon sent by the heavens to punish him?

“Elder Huang, I presume many will now seize this opportunity to spread rumors unfavorable to us. You know what must be done next, do you not?”

Yun Xiao Yu rose, his hands clasped behind his back, a sharp glint in his eyes. After Elder Huang departed, he murmured to himself.

‘There is no time to lose. We must accelerate our actions; this concerns the very future of our Yunxiao Royal Family.’

Meanwhile, Lan Wu Xi, having shared a simple meal with Elder Huang and Huang Yao Yue, heard a hawk’s cry echo throughout the Huang manor. A colossal Earth Spirit Hawk could be seen circling high above the Huang family estate. Such blatant display could only be orchestrated by members of the royal family.

“An Earth Spirit Hawk? Is this a message from the royal family?”

Huang Yao Yue’s brows furrowed slightly. Ever since the incident at the banquet, she had developed a strong aversion to any news from the royal family.

“They arrived so quickly? It seems this affair has had quite an impact on them.”

Elder Huang, as if having anticipated this, chuckled softly. He casually raised a hand towards the sky. Instantly, a sudden, overwhelming surge of vital energy began to coalesce in the previously still air. However, the Earth Spirit Hawk merely flapped its wings, effortlessly dispersing the surrounding vital energy. It then provocatively circled above the Huang manor, refusing to descend.

“I never expected this demonic beast to possess the strength of a Golden Core cultivator!”

Lan Wu Xi was quite astonished. It was well-known that demonic beasts of the Golden Core level were exceedingly difficult to tame, yet the Yunxiao Royal Family could produce one with such ease. It was clearly an attempt to intimidate the Huang family.

For any other minor family, this might have caused considerable panic. After all, even a Golden Core realm expert couldn’t guarantee victory against a Golden Core level demonic beast. But to display such a beast before the Huang family was clearly courting disaster.

Indeed, Elder Huang scoffed. A golden gleam flashed in his eyes. Immediately, an even mightier gale of vital energy, imbued with the power of lightning, descended with a crash. It struck the arrogant demonic beast directly. A moment later, the scent of something scorched permeated the air. The once haughty beast now had its fur completely singed by the lightning, appearing utterly disheveled and pathetic.

Elder Huang, however, showed no intention of stopping. A chilling aura began to emanate from around the Earth Spirit Hawk. An even more formidable, thundering power enveloped the skies above the Huang manor. It seemed that with a single thought, Elder Huang could instantly slay this royal messenger.

Seeing this, the Earth Spirit Hawk in the sky began to shriek incessantly, seemingly begging for mercy. As a demonic beast, it too sensed the imminent threat of death. Finally, it simply released the jade slip from its talons, letting it plummet downwards. With a casual flick of Elder Huang’s hand, the slip flew directly to him. Only then did the swirling vital energy in the surroundings gradually dissipate. The Earth Spirit Hawk seized the chance to flee in disarray, letting out a series of miserable squawks as it retreated, much like a humiliated rooster.

“Hiss~, for an Earth Spirit Hawk comparable to the Golden Core realm to be subdued so easily, Elder Huang’s strength must have reached the Sky Void realm quite some time ago.”

A ripple of emotion stirred within Lan Wu Xi’s heart. This was the first time he had witnessed a Sky Void realm expert take action at such close range. Their casual movements could evoke a resonance with heaven and earth. No wonder it was said that Sky Void realm marked a significant watershed for cultivators. ‘If I could reach that level, would I then possess the strength to protect Lin Yufei?’

“Grandfather, what does it say?”

Huang Yao Yue asked, her voice laced with anxiety. Indeed, she was currently most apprehensive about news from the royal family. Moreover, the royal family had used an extremely rare demonic beast as a messenger. This was also a subtle display of their royal power, a clear warning to the Huang family not to act rashly.

Elder Huang opened the bamboo slip contained within the jade tube. A look of gravity began to settle on his face. This sight only heightened Huang Yao Yue’s anxiety.

“Grandfather, Grandfather, what exactly does this bamboo slip say? Are the royals threatening you to hand me over…?”

“Heh, you underestimate your grandfather too much. Although our Huang family indeed dares not openly oppose the Yunxiao Royal Family, it certainly doesn’t mean they can threaten us into meekly handing you over.”

Elder Huang let out a cold laugh, then spoke slowly.

“The beast tide is imminent.”

“A beast tide?”

Upon hearing this, both Lan Wu Xi and Huang Yao Yue’s expressions turned grim. This was hardly good news. While Yunxiao Kingdom boasted rich lands, it was also, proportionally, the most frequent target of demonic beast incursions. Each beast tide presented a significant catastrophe for the kingdom; the most severe one had even come close to breaching the Yunxiao Royal Palace. Thus, this was news that demanded vigilance from the Huang family, the Yunxiao Royal Family, and all other major clans.

“But… but it’s only been two and a half years since the last beast tide, hasn’t it? Why is this one coming so quickly? Usually, they occur at least once every ten years.”

“I am not certain, but since it was personally penned by King Yun Xiao Yu himself, there should be no falsehood in it. As one of the three great families, our Huang family is obligated to act. Therefore, this old man fears he must personally journey to the front lines.”

“What? That’s impossible! If you leave, what will become of the Huang family…?”

Huang Yao Yue clutched at Elder Huang’s sleeve, seemingly attempting to make her grandfather abandon the idea. After all, the Huang family was currently supported almost entirely by Elder Huang. Should they inadvertently lose this linchpin, the Huang family would undoubtedly suffer a devastating blow. Thus, Huang Yao Yue did not wish for her grandfather to take such a risk.

“I understand your concerns, but it is rumored that this beast tide is rife with powerful demonic beasts. It’s even said that Sky Void level demonic beasts have joined their ranks. The patriarchs of the Yun and Lin families are also heading to the front lines. This old man cannot refuse. However, with *that person* there, nothing major should happen, right? Besides, should something truly unforeseen occur, your great-grandfather is still here.”

“But…”

“My decision is final. Let this matter rest here. I will discuss it with your uncles shortly. As a junior, you need not worry excessively; we will handle it ourselves.”

Elder Huang flicked his sleeve and departed. Yet, the long strides and the subtle aura of unease he exuded betrayed his inner turmoil.

“Grandfather…”

Watching Elder Huang’s figure recede into the distance, Huang Yao Yue’s words caught in her throat, a bitter taste in her mouth.

“Your grandfather will be fine. After all, he is a Sky Void realm expert; a mere beast tide is nothing. With so many powerful cultivators mobilizing this time, your grandfather will surely return safely.”

Lan Wu Xi spoke softly, offering comfort. In Huang Yao Yue’s expression, he saw a reflection of himself.

After a brief conversation with Huang Yao Yue, Lan Wu Xi boarded his carriage and left the Huang family manor for home.

As he departed, Huang Yao Yue stood at the entrance, seeing him off. He even caught a hint of reluctance in her eyes. However, for Lan Wu Xi, Huang Yao Yue was merely a transient figure in his life. Although certain events had brought them together, it had all stemmed from a fabricated engagement. Yet, speaking of it, Huang Yao Yue was truly audacious, so openly proclaiming herself his fiancée. Was she not afraid of damaging the Huang family’s reputation? It was fortunate that she possessed such a magnanimous spirit.

Ultimately, Lan Wu Xi soon left the royal capital in his carriage. In his view, this matter was now concluded. Of course, that was merely his personal conjecture…